Kevin Costner & Modern West- A Tale of Grandfather Time

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Date: April 17th, 2015 Moon: Waning Crescent Aries

Introspection From Melinoe: 

Welcome Ghouls, Demons, and Fellow Wyrd Ones!!! Look at Me Go, articulating such love for yet another Country-Rock Americana Band/Artist. For someone who claims to hate Country Music as much as I do, I sure do find a variety of artists to Love on. Perhaps it is not quite accurate to express that I “hate” country music. I suppose I am pickier than shit about my country music. Especially when I was raised by a Texan-Oklahoman Man like my Maternal Grandfather, Billy Michael McKinney. My taste in country music stems from this Paternal line. My Grandmother, Sammie Louise, was more of a rockabilly, rhythm and blues, gospel, and pop ballad kind of gal. Although, she did enjoy her country music, all thanks to her beloved husband of 52 years. My grandfather is a country boy through and through. If it weren’t for him I don’t think I would be familiar with any country music, let alone the Greats of the Genre! My Papa Mike exposed me to artists such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton. Equally, his influence led my Biological Mother Dayna into her 90’s country obsession. Sharing a bond over artists such as George Straight, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Good Ol’ Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and Brooks & Dunn. 

My Grandfather and I have always shared a love for Music (In fact, he is the one who gifted me my first record player!), and Adventure. Growing up, I would spend hours sitting with him in his recliner, spinning the globe and talking away about various countries. We would Dream of all the Places We Would Go. Australia being top on our list (a vacation I will never give-up on. Even if I have to carry his ashes there with me). Papa Mike instilled much courage within me. A virtue that was much needed as I was a young girl who was accused of being too sensitive for the world. I believe he noticed my sensitivities, and found a way to nurture them into a superpower instead of dismissing them. He taught me the value of Loving Life, grabbing the Bull by the Horns, and Experiencing All the Wonderful ventures Life had to offer. When our family would travel across the South West, him and I would be in the front seats leading the way. While the rest of the family was in the back taking naps, watching movies, and all the above? Papa Mike and I were scrolling through the radio stations, cycling through CDs, playing RoadTrip games, and talking our hearts out. If there was anyone I could talk to for hours on end? It would be my Grandfather. He has always been my B-Papa, and I have always been his B-Tokus (An endearing nick-name I have had since I can remember. Where did he come up with it? I do not know. Just add it to my list of names). 

As we roadtripped our way through most of my earlier childhood, I would deep dive into the latest band I was into. He witnessed all my phases through the age of 13, (before him and my grandmother left Farmington, NM and moved to Oklahoma City, OK). He experienced my Classic Rock and Alice Cooper phase at the age of 4, my Gospel Music phase at the age of 5, Britney Spears at the age of 6, Green Day at the age of 9, My Chemical Romance at the age of 11, my Avenged Sevenfold phase at the age of 12, and every other phase in between. In fact, one of my favorite memories would be when we were driving to El Paso, TX and I put on Green Day’s “Warning.” He listened to the entire album, and listened to me yap about each and every detail of why this album was (and still is) my favorite Green Day record to exist. I often reflect and facepalm myself into a giggle when I realize that at the age of 10, I confidently played “Blood, Sex, and Booze” to my Grandfather without a single hesitation. Nonetheless, he embraced it. He never once made me feel badly for it either. Despite my Black Sheep upbringing, my Grandfather never once made me feel alienated. If he had any opinions? As far as I am aware, he kept them to himself. He had always stated that he wanted me to be “Happy, Healthy, and Full of Life.” Money was never something he expressed. He wished for success, and for comfort, but not in a way that represented Greed. He expected us kids to be Independent, Respectful, and Well-Rounded Human Beings. 

My Grandpa Mike is 80 yrs old, as of this year 2026. He is a (mostly) Irish, Conservative, Vietnam Veteran Boomer. Some may call him your average Straight-White-Male. It could be easy to stereotype him, and misunderstand his quirky sense of humor. He has not always said the most appropriate thing, and oftentimes he has fumbled his intentions. In this current political environment, he could be someone you could cancel, and possibly tarnish his legacy. An injustice to all the elders who came before us. If anything, my Grandpa Mike taught me the Grace within Imperfection. He taught me what it really means to “pick yourself up by your bootstraps,” and Keep on Keepin On. He doesn’t look too long in the rearview mirror when it comes to his life. He brushes off his mistakes like the dust on his pants, and the dirt on his boots. He is a prime example of a man who has simply done the best he can. 

How does this all relate to Kevin Costner & Modern West? Well, the word on Kevin Costner is that he is a calm, deliberate, and down-to-earth man, who possesses an understated, quiet authority. Kevin Costner & Modern West are described as an earnest, cinematic blend of American roots-rock, country, and Western music. Their sound is compared to classic rockers like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and John Mellencamp. Rather than aiming for his version of technical vocal perfection, Costner is praised for his “lived in” voice. A voice that depicts the story of a life well lived. A voice that is no spring chicken, but has a depth of wisdom to share within his performance style. A performance style often described as a mix of singing and storytelling. A story from a raspy, with a laid back delivery that relies heavily on emotion and atmosphere. It is not about fancy lights, and loud noises. It is simply about the music, and how it makes you feel. Much like his movies, their songs focus heavily on the narrative and the storytelling. They frequently touch on themes of the American West, relationships, heartbreak, and the passage of time. It would seem to me that Kevin Costner and Michael McKinney are two Good Ol Boys from different parts of town. Both expressing these themes in their own way, at their own speed, within their own communities. As they say, Life Imitates Art, and Art Imitates Life. 

With that, to get on with my story, I only discovered that Kevin Costner had a band a few weeks ago! (I do in fact live under a rock). I was chatting with Papa on the phone. I told him my news about my viral article with Michael C. Hall’s band PrincessGoes. He was “happier than a pig in shit.” He expressed the Fatherly Pride I would never receive from my Biological dad. He embraced my unique success, and found a way to relate to me. That relation was through Kevin Costner. Our conversation led us down a rabbit hole of other Actors who were also musicians. We had one of the best conversations we have had in a long time. It reminded me of all those years ago when I was a little girl, yappin’ away about Green Day to my dearest Granddaddy. And here we were, all these years later, in our own little world, continuing to chit chat and dream about all the artists who inspired us in our lives. 

B-Papa told me the tale of how Kevin Costner & Modern West weren’t your average touring band. They often play select, single-off shows. He was giddy to share that they had come to Oklahoma on April 17th, 2015. How magickal is that?!?! For April 17th is my grandfather’s birthday. He is an Aries Sun, with a Scorpio Moon. For those who follow along with my astrological insights? You can see how I was raised to be a Fearless, Courageous Storyteller- who sometimes ends up putting her foot in her mouth. (LOL) However, just like Papa Mike, my intentions are never to hurt anyone’s feelings. My intention is simply to be honest about my own. And if anyone is Brave enough to express their thoughts back to me? I will graciously apologize, speak my peace, and move the fuck on. In Good Ol Boy Fashion.

I digress, for the plot continues with my Kevin Costner Story! My grandpa discovered Kevin Costner & Modern West through his love of Yellowstone, and random internet finds. He saw they were going to be playing on his birthday at the Grand Event Center, Grand Casino. When he found out they didn’t host routine tours? He didn’t hesitate to buy the tickets, and witness the show. It felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity, and he was going to jump on it!! He expressed how much fun he had at the concert. He exclaimed gratitude that he was able to enjoy such an experience in his lifetime. He just adores Kevin Costner as an artist. Whether it’s his acting, or his music? It does not matter. He is a fan. Kevin Costner is Papa Mike’s, Michael C. Hall. (And My B-Papa is my Kevin Costner <3) It was fun to bond over music once more. Life got so busy, I think we both forgot how much we enjoyed this dynamic within our relationship. His joy, and this story, had me reflecting on all the concerts I missed out on. The ones I decided not to go to because I could always go next time. The ones that will never happen again. Since my Grandmother passed in 2022, my Grandfather has dealt with the heaviest of grievable reflections. The reflection of all the time that has gone by, and all the experiences he will never have the opportunity to embrace. However, he is also presented with all the memories of a life well lived. A life full of stories to tell. And with that? Our conversation walked down another path of wisdom to grant to his dearest B-Tokus. He encouraged me to live, to love, and to leave the door unlocked for those who wish to return. He told me to lean into my instinct, and to avoid the hesitations in life. For we never know when it is our last day, our last concert, Our One Last Run. 

And so, I want to leave you all with the same encouragement. Share that album with someone you love. Buy that concert ticket. Take that trip. Live in this moment. Life gives us all kinds of excuses to stay complacent in our Grief, in our Fear, and in our Lack. Our lives will pass us by if we let it. It is up to us to grab the Bull by the Horns, and Lead our own lives. It is up to us to let go of the past, and make the most out of each and every moment in the present, for the future. I know there are some who cannot understand Michael for the way he thinks, or the way he acts. (I certainly carry that ancestral torch myself.) There are plenty who misunderstand the Souls who are here to grant us with the Medicine of Spontaneity. It can be easy to Demonize those who move on Tenaciously. However, I am truly grateful for my Grandfather Time who has taught me Power of Resilience, even in the hardest of Times. Is it the worst of Times, or the best of Times? I suppose that is entirely up to you, and how you choose to Carry On. 

Kevin Costner & Modern West have announced a show September 25th, 2026. Their Instagram page announced that the band was back together, and cookin’ up new music! Looks like we all have time to reminisce (or catch up in my case) on their previous works in anticipation of what they create next! As I dove into Modern West, it looks like I may be a Country Fan afterall. Let’s Keep on Keepin’ On to the Groove of Life, and let’s keep Bringing People Together Through Music! 

Live Deliciously. Love Authentically. And Always, Stay Wyrd! 

–Melinoe Macaria Mourningstar 

(AKA Sarah B-Tokus)